11 Ways to Make a Fantastic First Impression

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Create an unforgettable impression on anyone you meet
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A first impression can have a huge effect on how the other person views you. Whether you’re interviewing for a new job, meeting a new client, going on a first date, or introducing yourself to a potential friend, we're here to help you put your best foot forward. Dressing appropriately for the context, smiling, making eye contact, and being positive and kind toward the other person are great ways to start. Read on for all the best tips from relationship experts about how to make a great first impression.

Things You Should Know

  • Prepare a few questions and talking points beforehand so you can avoid lulls in the conversation and make a new connection.
  • Dress appropriately for the context, and when you get there, smile, stand up straight, keep your head up, and make eye contact with the other person.
  • Practice active listening by nodding along and restating what the other person says.
  • Speak slow and clear. Think, then speak and don't rush.
Section 1 of 3:

How to Make a Good First Impression

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  1. Preparing a few topics or questions before meeting someone new can help keep you on track and avoid lulls in the conversation. Think about who you’re meeting and what you’d like to get out of the interaction. [1]
    • If you’d like to make a potential friend think you’re fun, prepare a few hilarious stories you could weave into conversation.
    • Think about what parts of your environment you could point out. At a party, you could ask if the food is good.
    • Before a job interview, think of a few questions you could ask about the company or the person you’re interviewing with. [2]
    • If you’re interviewing someone or meeting someone you admire, try to ask unique questions that dig deeper than what most people tend to ask.
    • Reader Poll: We asked 134 wikiHow readers which job interview question is the most important to prepare for, and 57% of them said tell me about yourself. [Take Poll]
      • It's especially important to be prepared to make a good impression at a job interview.
  2. People make their first judgments within 1/10 of a second. [3] One of the first things people see is how you dress. Choose an outfit based on the context of the meeting and how comfortable you’ll feel wearing it.
    • When you’re on a first date, matchmaker and dating expert Maria Avgitidis recommends “wearing something that you definitely feel comfortable in, that makes you feel good” and “look good.” [4]
    • In professional or academic settings, stick to clean understated clothes without holes, wrinkles, or tears. [5]
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  3. When you tell someone you’ll meet them at a certain time, you’re making them a promise. Being punctual can show the other person you’re dependable, disciplined, and respectful. [6] Leave at least 5 minutes early to allow for traffic and other obstacles out of your control.
    • If you’re going to an interview or a first date, consider arriving 10 to 15 minutes early to relax and center yourself. [7]
    • If you’re meeting a potential friend or a colleague, come to an agreement with them about what time and place work best for you both.
  4. Matchmaker and dating expert Maria Avgitidis says that “A smile really does go a long way. It tells people that you're friendly.” [8] Establish eye contact right before you begin talking. When listening to the other person, try to maintain eye contact for about 4 to 5 seconds at a time. [9]
    • Eye contact is also an important way to connect and communicate non-verbally with the other person. [10]
    • Try to maintain eye contact 50% of the time while speaking and 70% of the time while listening. [11]
  5. Smiling can make you seem courteous, likable, and competent. [12] However, don’t try to fake a smile—other people can detect when you do. [13] Instead, visualize something that makes you happy to channel positive energy into the present moment. [14]
    • Smiling can also help fight off stress and lift your mood. [15]
    • If you’re meeting a job interviewer, try to be bold and introduce yourself first. [16]
  6. Your body language can communicate how comfortable you feel in a situation. [17] To look open and confident, keep your head up, stand up straight, and keep your hands visible. [18]
    • Matchmaker and dating expert Maria Avgitidis says that “sometimes we like someone and we become anxious… we do subconscious things to close off [like] cross our arms [or] turn away.” [19] Instead, face the other person and let your arms rest at your sides.
    • When meeting a client or someone in a professional setting, set the tone of the meeting by giving them a strong handshake .
    • Try to avoid engaging in nervous habits like biting your nails.
  7. Short, casual interactions can make you and the other person happier and more likely to feel like you belong. [20] Try to select topics that are tailored to your conversation partner—the more information you can find out about them, the more you have to talk about. [21]
    • For example, if they say they went to a Taylor Swift concert last weekend, you could ask “What was your favorite part of the show?” or “I love her! What’s your favorite album?”
    • If they’re distracted by something interesting, talk about it. Go with the flow and share whatever they are interested in together.
  8. Whether you’re going on a date, interviewing for a new job, or meeting a potential new friend, you have so much to bring to the table. Talk about the things you like, and try to avoid pretending to be someone else. [22]
    • In a professional setting, try to share something low-stakes with the other person, like what you did last weekend or a new hobby you’re into. [23]
  9. A positive attitude can reduce your stress and improve your relationships with others. [24] Be empathetic when another person shares something personal with you, allow yourself to laugh during difficult times, and try to chase away negative self-talk that may make you doubt yourself. [25]
    • If possible, avoid having to make first impressions when you are feeling low—a negative mood could make others view you as unfriendly. [26]
  10. Most people love to talk about themselves, and actively listening can make them feel heard, understood, and respected. [27] When someone’s talking, nod, restate what they’re saying, and try to avoid interrupting or finishing their sentences. [28]
    • To restate, say something like, “What happened after Josh called you back?” or “What were you thinking when she apologized?”
    • Ask open-ended questions that will allow them to elaborate on their thoughts, like “What happened when you moved back in with him?”
    • Conversations are all about give and take. If the other person starts to look distracted or bored, you might be talking too much—try asking them a question.
  11. If you make a great connection with someone, ask to exchange contact info and send a follow-up text or email about how nice it was to meet them. [29]
    • If you finished a job interview, send them a thank-you note and tell them how excited you are about the job opportunity.
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Section 2 of 3:

Why do good first impressions matter?

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  1. When you form a first impression about someone, you’re going off of the limited information they gave during your first meeting. In a professional or academic setting, first impressions can have a huge impact on your future job opportunities or collaborations. [30]
    • In a private setting, who a person is and what they bring to the table can matter more than a positive first impression. [31] Try to be authentic from the start.
    • Clinical psychologist Dr. Sarah Schewitz says that when dating, first impressions can be a way to ask yourself “If he’s safe, is he kind? Is he the type of person I want to be with?” [32]
Section 3 of 3:

Recovering from a Bad First Impression

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  1. Everyone makes mistakes, and you don’t have to please everyone you meet. If the impression you made didn’t seem like a big deal, it may be best to let it go and move on. [33] If you made a bad impression on someone at a party or someone on the street, then maybe the best response is giving no response at all. [34]
    • Ask your friends or the other people who were there what they thought of the interaction. If they didn’t think anything of it, you probably have nothing to worry about.
    • The next time you interact with that person, take a deep breath, smile, and be yourself. Any misunderstandings will smooth over with time.
  2. If you decide to apologize, give a short explanation for why you might have been off your game when you met them. [35]
    • You might say “I’m sorry for the joke I told, and I didn't mean to offend you” or “I’m sorry if I came on too strong, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable.” [36]
    • Try not to over-apologize for a dicey first meeting—this might put the other person in the uncomfortable position of having to reassure you. [37]
  3. Overcoming a bad first impression takes time and consistent positive interactions. [38] Being kind, positive, and fun over time can allow the other person to reinterpret that first interaction as just a blip in the past.
    • To focus on the future, think about how you can do things differently next time you meet someone new.
    • Take time to practice self-care and plan things that can help you feel more positive about yourself.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Does my appearance affect someone's first impression of me?
    Maria Avgitidis
    Matchmaker & Dating Expert
    Maria Avgitidis is the CEO & Matchmaker of Agape Match, a matchmaking service based out of New York City. For over a decade, she has successfully combined four generations of family matchmaking tradition with modern relationship psychology and search techniques to ensure her professional clientele are introduced to their ultimate match. Maria and Agape Match have been featured in The New York Times, The Financial Times, Fast Company, CNN, Esquire, Elle, Reuters, Vice, and Thrillist.
    Maria Avgitidis
    Matchmaker & Dating Expert
    Expert Answer
    It can, so put effort into your outfit. Wear things that you feel comfortable and confident in.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 11
  • Question
    I'm 14, what advice do you have to help me make friends at a party?
    Community Answer
    Just walk up to people introduce yourself and don't sit in a corner. Talk about things you have in common, don't try to be too witty or the life of the party unless that comes naturally to you. It helps to have a friend you know, to break the ice, but it's not essential. The sooner you learn to talk to new people in party situations, the easier it will be for you in the future.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How can I fit in and not be too popular in a big new school?
    Community Answer
    Find a small group of people with whom you get along well and share common interests with and stick with them. You should also try to interact with others in the school, but establishing a solid group of friends quickly is important.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      Tips

      • If you're feeling nervous before you meet someone, take a few deep breaths beforehand to relax.
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • If they seem uninterested in what you're talking about, subtly turn the conversation back to them. If you're talking about a recent trip you went on, for example, say something like, "So what about you? Any dream vacations you'd like to go on soon?"
      • Although it's natural to want to show your best side during a first impression, avoid showing off! If you overcompensate you'll just come off as arrogant.
      • Don't worry yourself sick over first impressions. Just the act of reading this shows that you're a good person who's making an effort to be friendly :)
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about dating, check out our in-depth interview with Maria Avgitidis .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2012/09/first-impression
      2. ↑ https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2012/11/first-impressions
      3. ↑ https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/how-many-seconds-to-a-first-impression
      4. ↑ Maria Avgitidis. Matchmaker & Dating Expert. Expert Interview. 20 December 2019
      5. ↑ https://www.coursera.org/articles/what-to-wear-to-an-interview
      6. ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/etiquette/importance-of-punctuality/
      7. ↑ https://ung.edu/career-services/online-career-resources/interview-well/tips-for-a-successful-interview.php
      8. ↑ Maria Avgitidis. Matchmaker & Dating Expert. Expert Interview. 20 December 2019
      9. ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/eye_contact_dont_make_these_mistakes
      1. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5390711/
      2. ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/eye_contact_dont_make_these_mistakes
      3. ↑ https://www.waldenu.edu/online-bachelors-programs/bs-in-psychology/resource/the-power-of-smiling
      4. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/changepower/201605/the-9-superpowers-your-smile
      5. ↑ https://www.npr.org/2022/09/16/1123478607/starting-new-job-right
      6. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/201206/there-s-magic-in-your-smile
      7. ↑ https://www.npr.org/2022/09/16/1123478607/starting-new-job-right
      8. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/spycatcher/201108/body-language-basics
      9. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/body-language-tricks-appear-more-confident-2016-3#-5
      10. ↑ Maria Avgitidis. Matchmaker & Dating Expert. Expert Interview. 20 December 2019
      11. ↑ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1948550613502990
      12. ↑ https://time.com/6280607/small-talk-tips-benefits/
      13. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/click-here-happiness/201810/how-be-yourself-in-five-simple-steps
      14. ↑ https://hbr.org/2022/07/how-to-get-comfortable-being-yourself-at-work
      15. ↑ https://www.gottman.com/blog/3-ways-to-keep-your-relationship-in-the-positive-perspective/
      16. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950
      17. ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022103110002568
      18. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/become-a-better-listener-active-listening
      19. ↑ https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2012/11/first-impressions
      20. ↑ https://hbr.org/2013/10/the-power-of-restraint-always-leave-them-wanting-more
      21. ↑ https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2012/11/first-impressions
      22. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/am-i-right/201302/the-power-first-impressions
      23. ↑ Sarah Schewitz, PsyD. Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 15 April 2019.
      24. ↑ https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/9-ways-to-fix-a-bad-first-impression.html
      25. ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/social-skills/how-to-recover-from-a-bad-first-impression/
      26. ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/social-skills/how-to-recover-from-a-bad-first-impression/
      27. ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/social-skills/how-to-recover-from-a-bad-first-impression/
      28. ↑ https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/9-ways-to-fix-a-bad-first-impression.html
      29. ↑ https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/9-ways-to-fix-a-bad-first-impression.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make a good first impression, make sure to look your best by dressing appropriately for the occasion, which will help you feel confident and relaxed. When you meet someone, greet them in a way that fits the situation, like a handshake for business meetings, and be sure to make eye contact and smile. Then, show the person you’re meeting that you are engaged in your conversation by actively listening to what they are saying, and asking them questions that will allow them to elaborate on their thoughts. For more ways to make a good first impression, like how to communicate with body language, read on!

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